Whether you’re a company leader who’s choosing materials for your products or a consumer who’s making buying choices for your household, learning about your options is the first step. For many types of products, you have a choice between natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Which one should you choose?
Both natural rubber and synthetic rubber are used abundantly, but they often have different applications and use cases. Let’s explore the differences between natural vs. synthetic rubber and why natural rubber may be the most ecologically healthy choice.
Before we dig into the differences, let’s look at what each one is and their different origins.
First, what is rubber made out of? Natural rubber comes "from the tree". Certain types of trees and plants produce liquid latex within them, although the rubber tree is the primary source. Rubber producers (smallholders) extract the latex from the trees, much the same way maple syrup manufacturers extract sap. The latex goes through processes that remove excess water and stabilize it to make it into the firm rubber that we see in products.
Where does synthetic rubber come from, then? In scientific terms, synthetic rubber is produced by turning monomers into specific polymers. Manufacturers typically start with petroleum and perform chemical processes and formulas that create synthetic rubber. Keep in mind that there are several types of synthetic rubber, so the manufacturing process varies.
Where does plastic fit in? Plastics are processed from crude oil and natural gas that is extracted, refined or cracked and then polymerized.
Natural rubber and synthetic rubber each have their own pros and cons, so they’re often used for different products and purposes.
The most common natural rubber applications include:
The most common applications of synthetic rubber:
The most common applications of plastics:
Synthetic Rubber – Silicone Rubber $3.2 - $9.4 / kg
Synthetic Rubber - Chloroprene $3.00 – $5.00 / kg
Certified Natural Rubber $2.30 - $2.65 / kg
Synthetic Rubber – Butyl Rubber $2.0- $2.56 / kg
Synthetic Rubber – EPDM $2.15 - $2.33 / kg
Synthetic Rubber - SBR $1.86 - $2.10 / kg
Plastic - EVA $1.47 - $1.96
Plastic - Polypropylene (PP) $0.80 - $1.20 / lb
Plastic - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) $0.90 - $1.30 / lb
Plastic - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) $0.70 - $1.50 / lb
In truth, this varies considerably. The price of both natural and synthetic rubber constantly fluctuates based on supply and demand and what region of the world you buy from. The factors in their manufacturing also make prices unstable.
Natural rubber depends on crop yields (though it depends on how well rubber trees grew or were planted years ago because it takes 6-8 years for a rubber tree to start producing latex). Synthetic rubber and plastics depend on petroleum prices.
As a result, the answer to which material is more economical is always shifting.
When it comes to the environment, the choice is clear: natural rubber has a significantly lower negative impact on the planet.
Natural rubber does come from trees, but manufacturers don’t need to cut down the trees to get the rubber, so the industry doesn’t contribute to deforestation. In fact, it takes up to 8 years for a rubber tree to start producing latex but when it reaches that point, it produces latex every year for up to 30 years. As a result, it encourages manufacturers to keep trees alive and healthy for longer.
Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, is typically produced using petroleum. Extracting petroleum from the earth has a negative effect on the planet, and petroleum is considered a non-renewable resource because it takes so long to develop. The impact of natural rubber vs. synthetic rubber also comes into play at the end of products’ lives. Natural rubber is biodegradable, but synthetic rubber is not.
Plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose, leading to persistent pollution in oceans, rivers, and landfills. Marine life is particularly vulnerable, with many species ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Additionally, the production and disposal of plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Microplastics tiny plastic particles, hae been found in various ecosystems and in human organs, raising concerns about their long-term health impacts.
When comparing products made of natural rubber and synthetic rubber, which one lasts longer? Much like the price comparison, this question is a toss-up.
Natural rubber and synthetic rubber have their own strengths and weaknesses - they can each withstand different types of degrading factors. As a result, the longevity depends on what a product is exposed to. For example, sunlight will break down natural rubber faster than synthetic rubber, but synthetic rubber is more vulnerable to tearing and abrasion.
The lifespan of plastics varies widely depending on the type of plastic and the environmental conditions it is exposed to. Generally, plastics can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. For example, plastic bags might take around 20 years, while plastic bottles can take up to 450 years
Natural and synthetic rubbers are rather different materials, so each has its own benefits. The top advantages of natural rubber include:
In the case of synthetic rubbers, each type of synthetic rubber has its own properties, so the benefits will vary. Generally, though, synthetic rubber has these functional benefits:
In the case of plastics:
At the end of the day, which is better - natural rubber or synthetic rubber or plastic will depend on many decision points and the product. From an ethical standpoint, if there is an equivalent plant-based, natural rubber product that replaces a petroleum-based, synthetic or plastic product, it should be considered and used, as it will have a less detrimental effect on the planet and on humankind.
